Firm in His Grip

You might be sailing on smooth glassy seas these days or you might find yourself in the middle of hurricane like circumstances. Yesterday I entered a hurricane. It is not important for me to go into details. Suffice it to say my entire life was turned upside down yesterday afternoon.

Since then I have sat around in a kind of daze. I got up around 3:00 a.m. just staring at my computer screen for the longest time contemplating my hurricane from different perspectives. No matter what I am going through today, or will face in the future, I have the choice to face all in faith. I am held firm in God's grip. I do not have control but God has control of me and what happens to me.

For years I have ministered to the suffering through prayer, preaching, writing, and personal visits. I have sought to bring comfort to the hurting. I have exhorted people to keep trusting God in the middle of their private pain. Now I am having to be reminded of these same lessons for my own life.

What was supposed to be a routine eye exam for glasses yesterday turned into much more. The doctor diagnosed two serious issues. One may require laser surgery. The other we are not sure about yet but he has recommended me to go see two more doctors. He is confident I am facing a serious health issue. His diagnosis stunned me. I am still stunned nineteen hours later.

I am still held firmly in God's grip. Though stunned and sobered I am not distraught. My life, family, and ministry are all in His grip. I want to courageously face the future trusting Him in every season of life. Good people who love God and serve him suffer severely. I am not immune and neither is my wife. She suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis. She very seldom ever has a good day when she is not in pain. She makes the best of it though. She knows she is held firm in God's grip.

The doctor looked me square in the eyes telling me of his concern. He firmly told me to get with my family doctor immediately and to make an appointment with an eye specialist without delay. His concern got my attention. While most of yesterday I sailed on tranquil seas a tumultuous storm blew in unexpectedly and I cling to God with all my might.

I can face my future with cowardice or with courageous faith. I am choosing the path of faith. Though there is still much unknown the one truth I cling to this afternoon is that Matt Edwards and the whole Edwards household are held firm in His grip.